Sunrider owners - MY mess-up, or theirs?

[Main Line Willys]

Well…. What did Bestop say?

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[ShadowsPapa]

Well…. What did Bestop say?

They are sending parts - we'll see exactly what is involved.
Bestop engineers worked on it - all I can think of is that Jeep supplied them all of the photographs and measurements that my dealer sent up to Jeep's STAR team people and that Bestop engineered a solution.

At this point, even if it's not quite a fix or quite right - That's ok because it's hard to hit a hole you can't actually see yourself. It may take a couple of shots to hit this target - maybe not. Time will tell.

 

[WILDHOBO]

They are sending parts - we'll see exactly what is involved.
Bestop engineers worked on it - all I can think of is that Jeep supplied them all of the photographs and measurements that my dealer sent up to Jeep's STAR team people and that Bestop engineered a solution.

At this point, even if it's not quite a fix or quite right - That's ok because it's hard to hit a hole you can't actually see yourself. It may take a couple of shots to hit this target - maybe not. Time will tell.

Why not propose something simpler? Just get Jeep to refund your money for the top. Then get a bestop branded one with the fix. Then Jeep is out of it. I get that it’s their responsibility, but they’re not going to fix it fast enough. So I’d move on and get a bestop branded one, with whatever fix they come up with. Get rid of the middle man.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Why not propose something simpler? Just get Jeep to refund your money for the top. Then get a bestop branded one with the fix. Then Jeep is out of it. I get that it’s their responsibility, but they’re not going to fix it fast enough. So I’d move on and get a bestop branded one, with whatever fix they come up with. Get rid of the middle man.

As this was part of a package, not so sure about a jeep refund that would cover the cost.
The simple thing is for Jeep to fix it
That's what the real simple thing is.
Why should I let Jeep off.

Would Bestop even build one and ship it assembled to test out? I bought a fully assembled unit


It's still on Jeep, besides, I don't know who worked with who on a possible fix. They had to get the details of my case from Jeep so there's likely some background connection.
Simple is Jeep takes care of it all

 

[imaginaryreply]

Also if anyone was willing to help/solve this problem maybe start a poll/database.

What year?
Glad,Wran?
What brand top?
Muck flap?
Issues yes or no?

This could help EVERYONE.
Just a thought.

What year? 2024
Glad,Wran? Gladiator
What brand top? Bestop
Muck flap? Yes
Issues yes or no? Yes, wind noise, crushed Muck

 

[imaginaryreply]

This thread has taken so many turns... my assumption is there was perhaps a misaligned batch of these, since the freedom panels fit perfect regardless, and haven't been changed.

I have been through 2 Bestop sunriders with the same issue. Wind noise, misalignment and muck flap crush on passenger side.

Here are the exact words from Bestop on this. They are clearly aware and working on it. I guess better proactive communications would help, and this thread wouldn't exist.

At this time, we do not have a confirmed solution for the visual misalignment issue you’re experiencing. The root cause stems from a 2022 change to the Mopar windshield seal, which created a fitment challenge we are actively addressing through internal engineering efforts. A permanent fix is still under development and not yet available.

The only current option we can offer is a replacement header latch. This has improved compression and appearance for some customers but is not a guaranteed solution. Depending on your vehicle's build, the misalignment may still be present.

Once a validated update is available, we will provide the necessary parts to all affected customers at no charge. Until then, this is the only support we can extend.

Please advise if you'd like to proceed with the latch or wait for the finalized solution.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

This thread has taken so many turns... my assumption is there was perhaps a misaligned batch of these, since the freedom panels fit perfect regardless, and haven't been changed.

I have been through 2 Bestop sunriders with the same issue. Wind noise, misalignment and muck flap crush on passenger side.

Here are the exact words from Bestop on this. They are clearly aware and working on it. I guess better proactive communications would help, and this thread wouldn't exist.

Latch won't help - it's a matter of sitting too low, not too far back. In fact, mine sits "OK" fore and aft. It's too far down, and latches pulling it forward won't help. Tighter latches actually could pull it down harder into the front seals.
The problem isn't a change in the windshield seal! Absolutely not, nothing at all to do with a seal change. If it was that, panels would have issues.
The sunrider just plain sits wrong at the front end - TOO LOW. no seal will change how it fits.
However, mounting pieces at the front WOULD change how it fits and how low or high the front end sits. That's what should be concentrated on, and I believe Bestop is doing just that.

*The issue exists regardless of whose name is on it - Jeep or Bestop. That's been proven.
*The issue isn't the front windshield seal - also proven and a given - seals don't change how low it sits.
Fit is determined by the side mounting pads.

 

[Main Line Willys]

@ShadowsPapa a I have been following along this thread from the beginning and I feel your frustration.
I am on my third sunrider and absolutely love it. My first was on a JKU, the second was on my current JT and now the third is also on my JT. There was a warranty issue on the second that Bestop was fantastic about handling.

I truly hope someday soon you are able to enjoy it as most of us are able to.

I apologize if this was asked previously, but I am now wondering if your sunrider is missing a gasket that would go along the header.

Do you have any pics if the underside of the leading edge as it is in the flipped back position?
A missing gasket would cause it to ride low in the front and add to wind noise.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

@ShadowsPapa a I have been following along this thread from the beginning and I feel your frustration.
I am on my third sunrider and absolutely love it. My first was on a JKU, the second was on my current JT and now the third is also on my JT. There was a warranty issue on the second that Bestop was fantastic about handling.

I truly hope someday soon you are able to enjoy it as most of us are able to.

I apologize if this was asked previously, but I am now wondering if your sunrider is missing a gasket that would go along the header.

Do you have any pics if the underside of the leading edge as it is in the flipped back position?
A missing gasket would cause it to ride low in the front and add to wind noise.

I just took another look -
The parts Bestop will be sending aren't complex to change out. I was looking at it as if it was all one single molding, one piece. It's not. It's a 5 minute swap (and that's for both sides)
Where it's sitting the light isn't great and it looked like a large piece made into the sides. It's not at all.
So, the parts swap will be SIMPLE! YAY (as my wife would say).
Getting it into the light, taking pics - false alarm. SIMPLE part to swap.

As far as gasket or seal, there's no gaskets or seals at all on the sunrider.
I also notices that when it's sitting not installed, there's actually a gap between the top itself and the side rails. If I squeeze, the top comes down into the side rails and looks like it closes a gap. Don't know if that gap would be there if the top was on or not.

No seal or gasket- it relies on the windshield seal like the freedom panels do............

Gap between side/edge of top and the side rail - don't know if that gap is there with it latched. Will have to check.

 

[JeepCares]

Well well well. Guess who got back to me.
NO, not Jeep!
Bestop - yeah, Bestop reached out to me via PM.
Ticks me off - NOT at Bestop, but at Jeep.......
It's their label on the unit, I paid JEEP for it, it came with the truck, it's a JEEP WARRANTY, but crickets from Jeep.
@JeepCares was supposedly going to keep me informed - and that was as of June 19th. LOL, right.

It should not have been Bestop who worked directly with me - if there's a solution (they say yes) then that solution should go to Jeep, Jeep should then have the dealer contact me, and the dealer should make any changes or repairs as per @Bestop.
Yes, it's a Bestop design, and patent, it's their baby, but....... Jeep sold the part.
Bestop is ultimately responsible for fit and function- and they are obviously working on this! I expected the real fix to come from Bestop since they own the rights, but Jeep warrants the part.

So, @JeepCares - if I am to make this mod myself - I will track the time and use my dealership's normal shop rate and expect ME to be reimbursed for what YOU - Jeep, should be taking care of.
I believe their rate is $175/hour. So if it takes me an hour, you owe me $175. If it takes 90 minutes, then take 1.5 x 175 and that's what I'll expect.
Warranty means you fix what's wrong at your expense, not mine.
If an axle leaks on my 2025 with only 3,200 miles on it, I do not expect that you send me a seal and I do all of the work. Doesn't work that way.

Bestop is trying, Jeep has fallen flat on their butts on this one.
STAR case, Jeep engineers looking into it - sounds to me like someone else did all of the work.

Hi Bill,

We can certainly understand your frustrations. We have documented your concerns and have asked your case manager to contact you with an update asap. Thank you for your patience.

Blair
Jeep Cares

 

[Cwg33]

Hi Bill,

We can certainly understand your frustrations. We have documented your concerns and have asked your case manager to contact you with an update asap. Thank you for your patience.

Blair
Jeep Cares

I do hope Bill get‘s a viable product that resolves his situation in a satisfactory manor to all involved. How does that sound for a BS response?

Execution matters, no lip service. If Bestop resolves the flaw, fantastic. I have worked with many manufacturing/design company’s that delay until year end accounting. Fix it for the masses, that‘s what matters. Bill has pushed to get a resolution to what should have been a known issue. There’s no way this is new!

I actually do hope it resolves for him, but my 2021 purchased Bestop Sunrider for a 2019 JLU does not fit correctly to a 2022 Gladiator nor a 2024 Wrangler. I can’t imagine Bill was the first, but at least he got some action started.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I can’t imagine Bill was the first, but at least he got some action started.

No way I was first.
I am seeing from posts on forums, YouTube videos and comments and so on - that it's been an issue for a while, with both "brands" - but what happens is you get some saying "it's ok, just tuck those muck seals, no big deal" and Bestop on one hand saying no, don't do that, people grinding, or remolding the muck seals to form to the sunrider that's not fitting correctly, and I've seen at least 2 where they contacted support - and after a back and forth or two - that was it, it was dropped.
So there's a number of others out there with the same issue, maybe not as severe as mine is, but still with the issue.
While others let it drop - I didn't. In part because I know it's not right, and - it's literally cutting my seals, ruining them so I had to take it clear off.
I find it doubtful Jeep or Bestop would pay for those seals - which could include the entire windshield header seal, due to a poor fitting sunrider - they'd probably say "your fault, you shouldn't have run it that way!

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I got another message from Bestop - with tracking number for parts and a really nice letter apparently from their customer service and so on (engineering was indeed involved)
They used photos, measurements and info posted here
The parts will likely be a "beta test" situation, but that's ok - it's a big effort on their part.
If it works, we call it good, if not, I furnish photos and measurements, etc. and insist the dealership is involved as well - Jeep needs to know all of this - every bit of it. Otherwise, more will end up in their lap- frustrated customers and all.

 

[WILDHOBO]

I got another message from Bestop - with tracking number for parts and a really nice letter apparently from their customer service and so on (engineering was indeed involved)
They used photos, measurements and so on.
The parts will likely be a "beta test" situation, but that's ok - it's a big effort on their part.
If it works, we call it good, if not, I furnish photos and measurements and so on - and insist the dealership is involved as well - Jeep needs to know all of this - every bit of it. Otherwise, more will end up in their lap- frustrated customers and all.

Fantastic news. I hope you’re enjoying it very soon.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

The parts solve the left side as close to perfect as anyone should ever expect. The seals sit where they should and there's enough gap between the top of the door and the sunrider nothing should be pinched or ground or damaged.

The right side - well, better sort of, but not great.
As I was putting it on, I saw the left side settle into place first and was pretty happy and ready to call it great.
Then I walked around to the right........... ugh, really? Better, but not great.

So I sent Crystal @Bestop a message with 20 pictures, how good the left looks, and how the right ended up and we'll go from there.
I suppose it's possible, like with many other things - a person can have two problems at once, one masking the other or making it very difficult to diagnose and resolve.

We'll see.

Left side - I'd call it perfect, finished, works fine.
Right side - we'll see what they say, but the seal still gets shoved down and when you close the door part of it gets shoved in, another part doesn't.

If it was just a tad closer, dang.

In a way, I really am wondering if there's a second issue - just with the right side. Maybe the cutout on the right side rail isn't large enough and catches that seal?

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